FICCI FLO, under the leadership of National President Ms. Poonam Sharma, participated as both delegation and official associate sponsor in the “IOD Annual London Global Convention 2025.” This global gathering, held in London, UK, was based on the theme “Boards in an Unpredictable World: Navigating Geopolitical Shifts, Climate Crises & Technological Disruptions.” It is aligned with FLO’s mission to prepare future-ready women board members.
The convention brought various global leaders, policymakers, board directors, investors, and governance experts together to discuss about geopolitical volatility, climate and sustainability risks, rapid technological disruptions (AI, digital transformation, cybersecurity), and diverse leadership needs and intergenerational dynamics.
As the official associate sponsor at the IOD Annual London Global Convention, FICCI FLO achieved a significant milestone. It is a proud moment for FLO, reflecting its growing stature in the global governance ecosystem.
The delegation was led by Ms. Usha Rani Manne, GB Member & Initiative Head – Women Directors Initiative. Also, this was the first-ever delegation nominated by the FLO President, Ms. Poonam Sharma. Two delegates, Ms. Suman Rangabhashyam – Hyderabad, and Ms. Sharmila Pallod – Mumbai, participated in the IOD Annual London Global Convention.
Day 1 – Keynote Address & Panel Discussion
Ms. Usha Rani Manne participated as both a keynote speaker and a panelist at this global gathering. She delivered a powerful speech on the topic: “Building Future-Ready Boards through Diversity, Ethics & Generational Insight.”
Co-panelists:
- Dr Nashwa Joy, UBA (UK) Ltd
- Prof R.P. Banarjee, EIILM Kolkata
- Ms Annabel Reach, Global Head, KPMG UK
Key messages presented:
- Diversity strengthens board resilience.
- Ethics and values remain central to governance.
- Intergenerational leadership is essential for future readiness.
- Importance of global exposure for women directors.
- Need for strong governance processes in Indian businesses.
- This platform positioned FLO as a thought leader in board diversity and governance.
Day 2 – Golden Peacock Awards Ceremony
The FLO delegation attended the Golden Peacock Awards, a global benchmark in corporate
excellence.
Highlights:
- Interaction with Hon’ble CM of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu.
- Public acknowledgment of FLO’s first-ever delegation.
- Networking with global CEOs, ESG leaders, and board professionals.
- This strengthened FLO’s presence among international governance institutions.
Day 3 – Global Luncheon Business Meet
Location: House of Lords, UK Parliament, Westminster.
Key engagements:
- Roundtable business interactions.
- One-on-one meetings with global investors.
- Networking with delegations from the UK, EU, Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
- Discussions on trade, entrepreneurship, and governance trends.
Impact:
- Delegates built meaningful business connections.
- Enhanced FLO’s role as a global networking facilitator.
- Reinforced credibility in working with global governance communities.
Key Outcomes for FLO
Participation of FICCI FLO in the IOD Annual London Global Convention 2025 was the first formal global representation at an IOD international convention. Also, it raised FLO’s profile among governance and business leaders worldwide.
It is a part of the FLO Women Corporate Directors Initiative, which focuses on increasing women’s representation on corporate boards and senior leadership through targeted training, mentorship, and advocacy for gender diversity. This global gathering benefited FLO delegates as they experienced exposure to global standards in board functioning.